Friday, February 22, 2013

Heart and Stroke Foundation Receives $10 Million from the Canadian Government to Save Lives

AED at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre Guelph Ontario

The Foundation to place automated external defibrillators in arenas across Canada

SASKATOON, Sask. February 21, 2013 /Canada NewsWire/ - The Heart and Stroke Foundation was pleased to join Prime Minister Stephen Harper today as he announced funding to place life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in hockey arenas and community recreation centres across Canada.

In April 2011, the Government of Canada announced a $10 million dollar plan for AED placement over four years. Today's announcement confirms the government's commitment for funding that will allow the Foundation to coordinate the installation and training of AEDs starting in Spring 2013.

"We applaud the government for its commitment to AEDs. It has been proven countless times that AEDs and CPR save lives," says David Sculthorpe, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada." Our goal is for every Canadian to learn CPR and how to use an AED. Ensuring that all public facilities have access to an AED would not be possible without the support of governments and private donors."

AEDs are electronic devices used to restart a person's heart that has stopped beating. They are safe, easy to use, and can be operated effectively by the public. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can help restore blood flow to someone suffering cardiac arrest for a short time until advanced medical care arrives.

"Up to 40,000 cardiac arrests occur each year in Canada - that is about one every 12 minutes," says Sculthorpe. "On average only five per cent of people who experience a cardiac arrest survive. With increased public access to AEDs and early access to CPR, the lives of thousands of Canadians could be saved every year."

Most cardiac arrests occur in homes and public places, and many are witnessed by a family member, co-worker or friend. Performing CPR and using an AED before emergency medical services arrive can increase the chance of survival by 75 per cent.

NHL hockey player Brett MacLean, 23, was revived by an AED last July after he suffered a cardiac arrest at a pick-up hockey game.

"The AED saved my life, and it's important for people to be trained," said MacLean. "You never know when you might need it; it could happen to anyone, anywhere."

The Foundation, with partners, trains approximately 1.6 million people every year in CPR and AED use. Although training is important AEDs are still safe and easy to use by the general public.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation, a volunteer-based health charity, leads in eliminating heart disease and stroke, reducing their impact through the advancement of research and its application, the promotion of healthy living and advocacy. Healthy lives free of heart disease and stroke. Together we will make it happen. Heartandstroke.ca

This February, the Foundation is asking all Canadians to Make Health Last by taking action today to give themselves, their friends and families longer, healthier, fuller lives. Take the Heart&Stroke risk assessment today at makehealthlast.ca.

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The GWSA Welcomes You!

With almost 3,000 members, the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Canada. We have a straightforward mission..."To empower older adults to be active, to be involved and to age successfully."

We are a non-profit, registered charity. The GWSA partners with the City of Guelph in the operation of the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, a state-of-the-art recreation facility.

The GWSA also operates in other locations such as the West End Community Centre, St. Paul's Lutheran Church and, in the not-too-distant future, will be a key Partner with the City in the design and use of the new South End Community Centre.

GWSA makes available some 90 organized programs, activities and services throughout the year as well as special events and public interest forums.

We are supported by the active participation of the more than 500 volunteers who make it all possible.